The Beauty of Life

Nail Polish Comparison: M.A.C Formidable! and Orly Galaxy Girl

2012-05-27T09:21:00.005-04:00

I was going through my nail polish collection this past week, and two stuck out immediately. Why, you might ask? Because they looked absolutely identical in the bottle. I'm talking, of course, about M.A.C Formidable (from 2010's Venomous Villains collection) and Orly Galaxy Girl (from Fall 2010's Cosmic FX collection).

On the index finger: M.A.C Formidable!. This is three coats. The formula on this one is very thin -- even with three coats, I had to swirl it around a bit to make it apply evenly.
On the middle finger: Orly Galaxy Girl. This went on perfectly in two coats.

As you can see, these two colors are exact dupes. I was actually pretty surprised to discover that they look completely the same in the bottle as well as on the nail! The color is a rusty purplish brown packed with teal shimmer.

M.A.C Formidable! is long gone, since it was part of a limited-edition collection. Orly Galaxy Girl is still available for $10 at beauty.com.

Salon and Spa Directory: Tenoverten

2012-05-25T09:05:00.003-04:00

NARS. RGB. Chanel. Essie. OPI. If you're looking for an amazing collection of nail polishes to try during your next manicure and pedicure, Tenoverten is the spot for you. Oh, and did I mention they have a row of comfortable armchairs overlooking TriBeCa from huge arched windows and free iPads you can use while your hands and feet are buffed, scrubbed and polished to perfection?

I had been curious about Tenoverten for awhile, but since TriBeCa is nowhere near my apartment, it took awhile for me to make the trek. But wow, am I ever glad I did! Tenoverten is the kind of nail salon I've been looking for ever since I moved to New York 10 years ago.

I love everything about this spot, which is tucked into a landmark building on Reade Street. (Truth be told, I walked by it the first time and had to backtrack because the building and address were so unassuming!) An amazing array of nail polishes greets you as soon as you step into the salon, including all the newest Chanel colors and a selection of Tenoverten's own line. The space's inviting design, replete with overstuffed armchairs and tons of natural light streaming in, makes for a lovely way to spend an afternoon with a friend (or with yourself and your Kindle).

I was pleasantly surprised by the prices as well. This is one of the most upscale nail salons in the city, but it's extremely reasonable. Manicures are $15-$40, while pedicures are $35-$65. Yes, this is more expensive than your average walk-in salon, but it's worth it for a manicure and pedicure that last for up to two weeks with no chipping and the promise of cleanliness and professionalism.

Plus, they use Seche Vite Top Coat -- my favorite top coat of all time (and the fastest drying, glossiest one out there). Any salon who knows the amazingness of Seche Vite deserves 5 stars.

And the best part is, another location is opening very soon at the Parker Meridien! Now I'll have absolutely no excuse not to go every week.

For more information about Tenoverten and to book an appointment, visit tenoverten.com.

Trend-Spotting: Colorful Statement Necklaces

2012-05-23T16:55:00.006-04:00

There are statement necklaces, and there are STATEMENT NECKLACES. The colorful statement necklaces below certainly fall into the latter category. (As does the Noir Jewelry Hacienda Statement Necklace, $187 at shopbop.com, above.) Perfect for jazzing up a plain tee in any color, and certain to garner tons of attention for you when you slip one on. These are my favorites.

Holst + Lee Plate Necklace
Neon wrapped and braided rope, accented by gold beads and certain to cause a stir.
$510 at shopbop.com

Erickson Beamon Colour Me Crazy Swarovski Crystal Necklace
Equally as bold against a neutral tee or eyepoppingly bright dress.
$895 at net-a-porter.com

Dannijo Bea Necklace
When standing out in the crowd is of the utmost importance.
$945 at dannijo.com

Shourouk Phenix Alabaster Crystal Necklace
I'd love to see this phoenix rise out of the ashes.
$700 at net-a-porter.com

Tom Binns Splash Out Swarovski Crystal Necklace
Bright neons against rhodium-plated black Swarovski crystals make for a seriously bold statement day or night.
$1400 at net-a-porter.com

Walt Disney World: My Top 10 List for the Happiest Place on Earth

2012-05-22T15:58:00.009-04:00

A little over a month ago, my family took our first vacation in almost 10 years. Before you gasp at how long it's been, don't worry -- we see each other quite often! But we just hadn't taken a trip together since 2003. In any case, the three of us decided to plan a fun-filled vacation to Disney World. Below, my list of the top 10 musts I recommend for anyone taking a trip to the happiest place on earth (and a few pictures along the way!).

1) Take advantage of the FASTPASS.
Don't want to wait in line for Soarin' for over 80 minutes? (We did wait this long, unfortunately, but don't repeat our mistake!) Plan your day at any of the Disney theme parks accordingly by getting a FASTPASS for the rides with the longest lines. These timed tickets cut your wait time to almost nothing, letting you skip the entire line and head straight to the front. Definitely a time saver and the perfect way to make the most of your trip.

2) Have at least one character dining experience.
You may think it's cheesy to dine with Mickey, Minnie and all their pals, but I'll tell you something. Disney World is the happiest place on earth because you can act like a kid no matter what your age! My family went to the Grand Floridian for a tea party with Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger -- and it was worth every penny! It's just really fun to see the characters come to life, whether you're 6 or 60.

3) Go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
While I missed out on the boutique this time around, I went the last time I was in Disney World (check out the picture of me with my classic Disney Princess 'do) and had an absolute blast. It's only $45 to get your hair done, and it's even finished with sparkling fairy dust!

4) Don't miss out on Captain EO.
That's right -- the 3D movie starring Michael Jackson is back and better than ever at Epcot! Truth be told, my family may have gone more than once, since we're big MJ fans. The Francis Ford Coppola directed movie even features a rough cut of "Another Part of Me" at the end, which I had completely forgotten about. It's still just as fun to watch as it was back in the 80's!

5) Watch the Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom.
This parade is luckily back on Main Street every night and it's still just as exciting as it was when I was a kid. It's really amazing to see all of the characters done up in lights, especially Elliott and Pete from Pete's Dragon!

6) Buy a pair of mouse ears.
As I said before, Disney World is the best place to act like a kid! Where else could you wear mouse ears on your head and not look stupid, right? This time around, I chose a sparkly pair with a red bow, which I bought at The Chapeau (a little store tucked into the corner of the Confectionery on Main Street). And, just an added tidbit of info, it's one of only two places where you can get your ears monogrammed in the park!

7) Stay at a Disney resort.
I really can't emphasize this point enough. If you're going to Orlando for a Disney vacation, there's really no other way to go. There are so many perks for resort guests, from free transportation to and from the airport and the parks to Extra Magic Hours (hours the parks stay open just for resort guests). When we were there, the Magic Kingdom was open until 3am! There's a resort for every budget -- we stayed at the Caribbean Beach, which is a Moderate Level resort, and couldn't have asked for a better experience. (Although if I go back again, I might upgrade to the Grand Floridian!)

8) See every single fireworks and light show.
My family made sure to catch the shows at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and we loved all of them! Each show has its own flavor, and in true Disney form, they make you extremely happy. Wishes at the Magic Kingdom was definitely our favorite (mine especially, as it features the voice of my favorite Disney character, Jiminy Cricket!). But the shows at Epcot and Hollywood Studios (IllumiNations and Fantasmic!, respectively) are both incredible.

9) Ride the Tower of Terror and Rock 'N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.
If you're looking for a level of thrill you just can't get from It's a Small World, these two rides deliver. The Tower of Terror will make you scream your guts out while appreciating the finer points of The Twilight Zone (no matter how many times I ride it, I can't help but shriek as the elevator car drops). The Rock 'N Roller Coaster features songs by Aerosmith and a fun ride through the dark.

10) Don't miss the Peter Pan ride at the Magic Kingdom.
Want to feel like you're flying? Step into a kite and enjoy the wonderful world of Peter Pan from up above. This is one of the truly magical rides at the Magic Kingdom, and brings a smile to my face each and every time I ride it.

Fun Polka Dot Nail Art with M.A.C Girl About Town and Thakoon for NARS Koliary

2012-05-21T21:36:00.004-04:00

It's an auspicious day here at The Beauty of Life. I created my very first nail art all by my lonesome! I'd been wanting to try polka dots for quite some time, and I finally took the plunge with two bright hues that recently made their way into my possession -- M.A.C Girl About Town and Thakoon for NARS Koliary.

Creating this look was actually extremely easy. I started by painting my nails with two coats of M.A.C Girl About Town, a gorgeous deep fuchsia that went on creamy, even and opaque in only one coat. (I applied two for extra staying power.) I then took a bobby pin and dipped it into NARS Koliary, a vibrant creamy turquoise. I wanted the polka dots to be different on each nail, so I put more on some nails than others. To keep the dots on the smaller side, I made sure to wipe off the pin before any dotting. I finished the look with one coat of Seche Vite for glossiness and shine.

This look was very easy to create, and I'm really loving the color combination! What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Outfit of the Day: Relaxing At My Mom's House in Cleveland

2012-05-21T19:44:00.004-04:00

It's rare that I post an Outfit of the Day post on The Beauty of Life, but today is an exception. I'm not going to say this is the most fashionable thing I've ever worn, but it is an outfit I wear pretty frequently -- especially when I'm traveling, which was the case today. I took a moment to sit under the tree at my mom's house in Cleveland and enjoy the sunshine in what is probably the most comfortable outfit I own, jazzed up with my favorite pair of bold gold chain earrings. Here's the final look for you!

Splendid leopard-print tee
Hue black cotton leggings
TOMS red canvas Classics
Bing Bang oversized gold chain earrings

My Latest Mani: RGB Steel

2012-05-18T13:39:00.003-04:00

When I was rifling through my bag of untrieds for my manicure today, I came upon RGB Steel. Until I discovered this polish in my bag, I thought I was going to use a pink or red -- but, once this one caught my eye, all bets were off.

I've fallen in love with every RGB polish I've come across as of late. The formula is slick, creamy and extremely easy to apply. Every color is unique. And, as I'm a sucker for chic grey nail polish, how could I not immediately gravitate toward Steel? This polish is a gorgeous, creamy medium-tone grey and applies almost completely opaque in one coat. (I'm wearing two coats here for extra opacity, topped with Seche Vite of course.)

This is definitely a color that's going into my permanent stash! What's on your nails for the weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Chanel Orange and Peach Nail Polish Comparison Swatches!

2012-05-18T11:44:00.004-04:00

When I was doing my nails with Chanel Distraction last week, I couldn't help but notice its proximity to two other Chanel nail polish colors, Miami Peach and Orange Fizz. I decided to do a little comparison swatching, and lo and behold, they're actually all pretty different!

On the index finger: Chanel Orange Fizz. Not surprisingly, it's very orange! Seen here with 3 coats, as the cream formula is actually a bit streaky and sheer.
On the middle finger: Chanel Distraction. This color is a combination of apricot, orange and peach. It does have a very faint hint of shimmer, but it's visible more in the bottle than on the nail.
On the ring finger: Chanel Miami Peach. This is the sheerest and sparkliest of the three. Three coats still let the nail peek through. The color is definitely more peach than orange or apricot.

Are there other nail polish comparisons you'd like to see me do? Let me know in the comments!

Take a Juicy Bite: Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Watermelon

2012-05-17T11:34:00.005-04:00

I'm not really a lipstick girl. I love the idea of it, but just never end up wanting to reapply or find one that works well for my skin tone. Enter Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Watermelon.

Here's why I like this lip product. The tube looks like a lipstick, the consistency feels like a balm and the end result looks like a gloss. It's the best of all lip worlds! The design of the tube is ingenious, with Bite's signature logo marking the middle of the product. Add to that the fact that Watermelon delivers just the right amount of bright pink gorgeousness to your pout and I'm sold.

Plus, Lush Lip Tint is formulated with bioactive resveratrol (to fight free radicals) and both mango seed and Vitamin E (to condition the lips), so it feels amazing and protects your pout!

Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Watermelon retails for $24 at sephora.com.

Obsession of the Moment: J Brand 901 Low-Rise Legging in Coated Rose Gold

2012-05-15T10:13:00.005-04:00

So, here's the thing. I haven't been able to fit into designer jeans in a pretty long time. It's a slippery slope when you start to wear leggings all the time, isn't it? At least it was for me ... because, the longer I wore the leggings, the bigger my waistline got, and the less I wanted to even try to fit into pants that buttoned and zipped. Fast forward to the past couple months, when I've made strides to change things, and voila! My love of the J Brand 901 Low-Rise Legging in Coated Rose Gold was born.

I have to admit, I brought them into the dressing room on a whim. I really didn't think they'd even slide over my hips, let alone button and zip without showing any muffin top. (And I'm not too proud to admit I tried them on in a size 32.) Well, lo and behold, they slid right up over my curves and fastened easily, sitting flat against my (not so flat) stomach and making my legs look longer and skinnier than I thought possible.

I like that they're skinny but not tight, and that they look good scrunched or cuffed -- which, with my 28-inch inseam, is not only ideal but essential. I also love the pale rose/lavender/mauve hue and the coated stretch denim -- the color looks good with absolutely everything and the fabric is so unique.

When I tell you it's been difficult to imagine a day without wearing my new 901s, I'm not lying. I've paired them with just about everything in my closet in the last week and I'm nowhere near finished!

The J Brand 901 Low-Rise Legging in Coated Rose Gold retails for $202 at jbrandjeans.com.

Mani of the Weekend: Chanel Distraction

2012-05-11T23:40:00.004-04:00

Somehow I've gotten into a pink and red mood as of late, and I'm absolutely loving it! I'm continuing the trend with Chanel Distraction, a gorgeous cantaloupe shot through with subtle shimmer. The finish is a mix of jelly and cream, and the shimmer is almost invisible unless you're standing in really bright sunlight. I'm loving the color -- it's so perfect for warm weather and for the onslaught of fun activities I've got going on this weekend!

And while I thought this one might be similar to Chanel Orange Fizz and Chanel Miami Peach, it's definitely darker and more coral than either of those colors. Stay tuned for a comparison post!

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

Crystal Clear: Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo and Conditioner

2012-05-10T21:58:00.004-04:00

It takes a lot for me to like a shampoo and conditioner. It takes the world for me to love them. But, as the case may be, I've fallen truly, madly, DEEPLY in love with Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo and Conditioner. Specifically, the Luminous Perfecting Shampoo for Long, Thick Hair and the Luminous Perfecting Conditioner for Long Hair.

The Cristalliste line is designed specifically for long hair -- which, thankfully, I now have. Not so thankfully, my hair is prone to dry ends and weighed down roots ... but, luckily, that's what these products combat! The Liquid Light Complex found within each product in the line creates luminosity and shimmer that can't be beat -- every strand seems like it glows after use!

I love that this shampoo is formulated for thick hair (there's another one for fine hair) -- because, as an extremely thick-haired gal, I'm always on the hunt for a shampoo that's really going to get in there and clean every single lock perfectly.

My one complaint is that it takes a LOT of this conditioner to saturate my strands. I feel like I'm using about half the bottle every time I condition! It's just a thinner conditioner than I'm used to. But, after laying it on as thick as humanly possible, it makes my hair feel unbelievably soft and silky even before I rinse it out!

Since beginning to use this duo, my hair is softer, shinier and more manageable. I've been able to keep a blowout going for five days without any sign of greasiness or flaking, which was previously unheard of! And they give me a salon-worthy blowout, even though I'm doing my hair myself. Perfection.

Kerastase Luminous Perfecting Shampoo for Long, Thick Hair retails for $36. Kerastase Luminous Perfecting Conditioner for Long Hair retails for $39. Find both at kerastase-usa.com.

Mani of the Week: butter LONDON Disco Biscuit

2012-05-07T15:36:00.003-04:00

I am so not a pink nail polish girl. But for some reason, butter LONDON Disco Biscuit really called my name this week ... and I have a feeling it's because of the glittery blue flecks baked into the hot pink formula.

Is this my favorite nail polish ever? No, for two reasons:

1) It chips pretty darn easily. (I just painted my nails last night, and by this morning they had already chipped on multiple nails. How is this possible when all I did was sleep?)

2) It dries down to a super matte finish, which is just not my cup of tea.

Those two reasons aside, though, it is a pretty fantastic color. I love the combination of the hot pink and the bright blue, and with a super glossy top coat (like Seche Vite), it takes on a very pretty shine.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Nikoletta Skarlatos

2012-05-04T10:26:00.009-04:00

From Freida Pinto in Immortals to Leven Rambin in The Hunger Games, makeup artist Nikoletta Skarlatos has designed some intricate and truly gorgeous looks throughout her career. Read on to discover the product she uses to make skin glow, her secret to long-wearing eyeshadow and so much more.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I became fascinated with makeup artistry since my early childhood in Greece. In the United States, I was a very serious ballet dancer until I went away to University. During those years as a dancer, I designed my own costumes and my own makeup for every configuration and character. I studied the Grand Masters, Art History, fashion photographers and many great creative female forces of nature, such as Coco Chanel.

My life has been full of magical and serendipitous events. I believe in manifesting one’s dreams through hard work and leaving oneself open to opportunity. After I finished my academic studies, and could NOT find a job, I had a chance meeting with the Regional Director of Chanel Cosmetics. She created a position for me within the company on the spot, and within six months I was handling the Upper West Coast with this mentor. Soon thereafter, I became the West Coast Makeup Artist for Chanel as well as product promoter and trainer.

As madly in love with Chanel as I was and always have been, Leonard Lauder himself came to see us and lured us away from Chanel. The opportunity with Lauder had me moving to Los Angeles. I then worked for the Lauder corporation in an even more expanded capacity, all the while learning makeup techniques, skincare formulations, product development and designing signature makeup looks for their brand.

In Los Angeles, I became involved with commercial advertising, high fashion editorial and music videos. A friend suggested that I go for an interview for a film that was to turn Union. The interviewer was Johnny Depp, and although he had hired his makeup department head, he was involved in the selection of the key position. I was fortunate to have been chosen. As a result, I found myself in the unique position to be able to study prosthetic and special effects makeup artistry under the department head, John Caglione, Jr.

You were the designer and department head for both Immortals and Flight -- and in fact you were nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Makeup for Immortals. What was the experience like for each of these films, and how did you concept the looks for the different characters?
Designing and department heading Immortals was a creative dream. I got to collaborate with the incredibly talented costume designer, the iconic Eiko Ishioka, as well as all of the creative teams per each department. There were many amazing characters to develop, from the Gods and Goddesses to the Soldiers to the Titans. I wanted the Titans to be something spectacular and not seen before. I took the influence of Post World War II photographer Dieter Appelt and the way that he portrayed decomposing beings. I wanted the Titans to look as though they were cracking apart a la Appelt.

This was a difficult task to achieve, and I had various groups of very talented artists mixing different formulations to achieve what were ultimately the three looks that I chose to be utilized: the very cracked look, the medium fast movement cracked look and the painterly Titan look. Equally, I loved creating and working with Freida Pinto as the Goddess Phaedra. I created a sort of high fashion meets ancient Mesopotamia look on Freida and carefully guarded her natural, (and beautiful) skin tone.

Amongst the various groups of soldiers, the Heraklions were inspired from a John Paul Gaultier fashion runway shot, and then I had my team creatively incorporate a lot of abstract painting with texture to complement Eiko’s menacing costumes. There were many facets to this film, and it was a very creatively fulfilling project.

The film Flight was at once a completely different and an extremely rewarding experience for me. I had always wanted to work for Robert Zemeckis and I know that I echo the feeling of many on this film, that the experience was seamless and beyond compare. Because we were shooting in high definition, and the red camera, there were many specific challenges with the makeup effects involved. I had to do many tests with appliances, blood and freehand sculpting. I designed the effects for the film as well as the plethora of makeup looks for the various characters: crash wounds, burns, beauty, drug addiction, cancer addled patients, tattoos. It was necessary to be hyper aware of texture and the visibility of any uninvited nuance to the makeup. The Director of Photography (Don Burgess) was wonderful and a great collaborator.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?

1) My skincare line (not yet available but coming VERY soon). I have been formulating and using my products for years, all biodynamically charged and resonant with the natural elements of the skin. As the skin is our largest living and breathing organ, it is of the utmost importance that it is fed both in and out by highly oxygenated food and vitamin sources.

2) Julie Hewett Cheekie. Made with rich camellia oil, this product finishes any makeup and makes the skin glow and come alive.

3) Ve Neill makeup brushes. After all of my brushes had been stolen years ago, a friend referred me to Ve’s Brushes and I have been using them since that time, all over the world in every capacity! I particularly love the angle shadow brush.

4) Dior and NARS eyeshadows. A tossup! Both give beautiful, rich finishes and are easily manipulated even when mixed with other products.

5) Chanel Le Sourcil de Chanel Perfect Brows. This is by far the best brow product ever made! I bought a lot, as Chanel is notorious for discontinuing great things! This product I cannot live without!

What are your top 3 makeup tips?

1) Take Vitamins D, A, C and E to protect the skin naturally from within, against sun damage. Also Vitamin B-12 shots are a necessity to do the same and boost the system with antioxidants. Take these in their purest, most organic forms possible.

2) Using a long stemmed angle shadow precision brush, take a hint of Evian, Vichy or any spray water, and dip into your powder eye shadow. Paint this on the inside of the eyelid, from the center outward. Immediately the eye is opened up and this form of application allows for long wear and durability. This was taught to me by Laura Mercier, and I have used this tip for years.

3) I always mix a little moisturizer into my foundation after having already prepped the skin with toning and hydration. The skin MUST look alive, and this can only be achieved through illumination after hydration. The objective for me with makeup, specifically beauty and editorial/press, is for the skin to glow and for my client to look luminous and flawless. Through hydration and highlight/shading, the face can easily be transformed into an object of radiance!

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I love music and dance and politics! I love to create layers of sound through music. I have been blessed with an amazing career which has taken me all over the globe. I am captivated by travel and learning about other cultures and their languages and music. I am devoted to helping others with health opportunities and have been for years. I try to donate my time toward helping and learning in the areas of holistic healing and each journey has been rewarding on many levels. Life is truly a blessing and I do cherish every moment of it, including this great moment with you, Jamie!

Beauty Giveaway: Keranique Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

2012-05-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

Worried about thinning hair? You don't have to be! Thanks to Keranique Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner, that is. This duo is formulated with peppermint oil, which does everything from helping stomach ailments and cold symptoms to enhancing hair and scalp health. And what this means for thinning hair? The peppermint oil moisturizes the hair shaft and stimulates new hair growth while offering up a delightfully tingly effect. Oh, and did I mention this shampoo and conditioner smell fantastic?

And here's the best part. Two lucky winners will receive the duo, which has a retail value of $70! To enter, simply leave your name and email address in the box below. Good luck!

THE RULES:
This giveaway ends on Sunday, May 6 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Monday, May 7. One entry per person and email address. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Partnered Post: David’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses You Can Wear Again and Again!

2012-04-30T15:45:00.004-04:00

So, here’s the thing. Being a bridesmaid can be a royal pain if you’re dealing with a bridezilla who picks an ugly bridesmaid dress. And I think we can all agree that we’ve been there at least once! So, when I came upon the newest line of bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal, all of which are gorgeous and decidedly not typical “Wear it once and throw it away” dresses, I was immediately smitten.

Whenever I’ve been a bridesmaid, the one trait I’ve hoped for in the dress was that I could actually wear it again. And, yes, most brides will tell you the bridesmaid dress is perfect for that ... but they’re lying. Not so with these pretty bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal, however! Some of my favorites:

White by Vera Wang One Shoulder Organza Dress with Black Belt, $198
This confection is just screaming to be bought and worn to a cocktail party. Wedding gown designer to the stars, Vera Wang, has really outdone herself with the tied shoulder bow and bias-cut flange skirt.

Sheer Matte Jersey Dress with Beading, $149
I love the sparkle beading around the bodice and the angled one-shoulder neckline.

Strapless Chiffon Dress with Layered Skirt, $139
This dress is available in over 20 colors, so no matter what your favorite, you can find it! The angled ruffles are so pretty and girly.

Short Jersey Batwing with Sequin Strap Shoulder, $79
What an amazing work to cocktails dress – and for under $100! The flowy silhouette and batwing sleeve contrast nicely with the sequined shoulder strap. I would dress this up with a pair of sky-high heels and statement earrings.

Strawberry Fields Forever: The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Wash

2012-04-30T08:23:00.004-04:00

The scent of summertime to me will always be fresh-picked strawberries. There's nothing better than the aroma of strawberries that have just come in from the sun (and nothing tastes better, either). So it's no wonder that I'm totally enamored of The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Wash.

This soap seriously smells exactly like sun-ripened strawberries. I like to keep it in my kitchen to make my hands smell sweet after cooking and cleaning.

I'm continually amazed by how fantastic each and every product by The Body Shop makes my skin feel. This hand soap is formulated with Community Trade organic honey to hydrate and condition the skin. Moisturizing glycerin helps to create a fantastic foaming lather.

The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Wash retails for $8 at thebodyshop.com.

Nails with Daniella: Stained Glass Manicure!

2012-04-29T08:37:00.007-04:00

Introducing a new feature on The Beauty of Life ... Nails with Daniella! My friend Daniella C. is a seriously talented nail artist (check out the Disney Princess manicure she did for me before my trip to Disney World), and we'll be collaborating once a month to bring you some fun, intricate, interesting nail designs. First up? This awesome stained glass manicure!

Before we started this design, Daniella asked me (half jokingly, I think) if I minded having crazy nails. I think my response was somewhere along the lines of, "You're kidding, right?" And, as you can see, the result is a little crazy ... but in the absolute best way.

Once we decided on the design, it was time to pick the colors. Our brains must have been in sync, because both Daniella and I were thinking about using pinks and blues with hits of silver and white! We narrowed down our choices from about 20 to the five you see here:

OPI Blue Grotto (the dark blue)
Thakoon for NARS Koliary (the turquoise)
Dolce & Gabbana Passione (the dark pink)
Chanel Graphite (the silver)
Mattese Elite White Nail Art Paint

Daniella really wanted to make every nail different, and I agreed. I like that every nail shows a unique stained glass effect. To create the look, Daniella carefully painted both straight and angled stripes, lines and blocks in each color. We also stayed away from using the same color combinations on each nail or even using every color on every nail, so you really have to look at all ten to get the final effect!

I like that while every nail is so different, they create a seamless experience. The blocks of color meet in similar patterns, and the constants of white and silver running throughout give it continuity.

Stay tuned for more manicures with the fabulous Daniella! I can't wait to see what she creates next!

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Veronica Lorenz

2012-04-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

The creator of the super-cool, super innovative beautyblender. A makeup artist on such fan favorites as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the fan favorite The Hunger Games. Chock full of amazing makeup tips and tricks. Oh, and let's not forget makeup artist to such celebrities as Sofia Vergara and Diana Ross. That's makeup artist Veronica Lorenz. Read on to discover how beautyblender came to be, how to make your lashes look thick and lush, and so much more.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where I started figure skating at age 7. I also did ballet and gymnastics, but kept with skating because it was the most challenging. When I was 12 or 13 I started competing nationally, and at 17 I began skating professionally as a troupe member of “Holiday on Ice.” I like to say I “ran away and joined the circus,” we went from city to city performing and even had clown and dog acts. I traveled with the show in Europe for 6 months. We had to do our own makeup and the other girls loved the way I did mine so I was being asked by a lot of them to do theirs as well.

After the ice show I was hanging out on the street corner with my punk rock friends when a casting director came up to us and said, “Hey, do you wanna get paid to do what you’re doing now?” So I went down to the set of a show that turned out to be the pilot for 21 Jump Street and hung out in front of the camera. I ended up working as an extra throughout the whole series and soon after decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

In L.A. I realized that while I loved being on set it was the behind the camera stuff that interested me the most, particularly the visual elements. At the same time a surgery I underwent caused nerve damage in my right hand and arm and I had to learn how to do everything left-handed. After some soul searching, learning how to do makeup left-handed seemed like a challenge for me. So I decided to quit acting and go to Cinema Make Up School. My decision paid off almost immediately, the first job I got was during my first month of school assisting the owner of the school on a commercial.

You've worked on some really interesting TV shows and movies, from Buffy to The Hunger Games. Do you have any favorite looks you've created or moments that have stood out?
The Hunger Games was certainly a standout moment. As a makeup artist who works the full spectrum, sometimes I’m reminded to “rein in” a little bit. For instance going from a "real people" type of movie like Bridesmaids to something like Star Trek requires two very different types of makeup. With The Hunger Games, there was no need to “rein in,” which was very liberating. And working with Diana Ross and Sofia Vergara is always exciting.

I absolutely love beautyblender. What inspired you to create such a fun product?
Thanks! I created beautyblender out of necessity. I first started using that shape of sponge, hand cutting it myself, in my FX work, but with a different type of sponge material. I was airbrushing all of my beauty makeups at the time and didn’t have a portable tool to touch them up on set. So one day I came up with the idea to use the teardrop shape with a softer, smoother material, and after a few years of research and development, voila! beautyblender was born.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?
1) beautyblender and blendercleanser. For obvious reasons. It’s the ultimate applicator. You can apply 75 percent of your makeup with it. It’s environmentally sound and you can recycle it!

2) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. Does not fail. Ever.

3) Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex Foundation. It does what it says it does. It stays. I’ve used this on everyone, especially with dancers who sweat a lot, and it still stays. Touchups are minimal. You can also thin it down for a sheerer formulation. Still stays!

4) Dior eyeshadows. Beautiful colors and the formulation is lovely. You don’t get any fallout from it.

5) Make Up For Ever Genevieve False Lashes. So beautiful. You could almost get away with doing no other makeup than putting these on and look completely done.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?

1) Set your foundation, concealer and creme blush with loose power and your damp beautyblender (no need to wash it between steps). Then dip your (same) beautyblender in loose powder, tap off the excess, and stipple over your makeup. It leaves your makeup with a fabulous satiny finish that lasts longer, so you don’t have to touch up as often.

2) Apply powder to eyelashes before curling and applying mascara for thicker, more luscious lashes.

3) Blend, blend, blend! And then blend some more!

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
Being a makeup artist is fun! I’m very lucky to be able to play with my toys, work with incredibly talented people and get paid for it! In my spare time I play housewife and mother. I have a daughter, Tesla, who will be 3 in July, and my husband, Pat, who at times acts the same age, so my spare time is all about my family. I’m also working on cool new ideas for makeup tools ... stay tuned!

Click here for more information on beautyblender. Visit Veronica's personal website here.

Fun Giveaway from Daily Makeover: A Trip to NYC and a Makeover with Celebrity Hair Colorist Beth Minardi

2012-04-25T17:15:00.003-04:00

NYC colorist Beth Minardi is sought after by the biggest names in Hollywood. Now you have a chance to get your hair done by her, too! Daily Makeover is giving away a seriously fabulous prize...

The first prize winner will get a round-trip ticket to New York, plus a haircut and hair color with Beth Minardi and her team of experts. Daily Makeover also has 50 full-sized samples of her new Minardi Luxury Color Care collection, which is specifically created to care for different hair color processes, to give away.

Click here to enter. And good luck!

Fashion Giveaway: A Pair of Shoes from the Havaianas Soul Collection

2012-04-24T22:28:00.003-04:00

I am truly excited to bring you my latest giveaway. One lucky winner is going to receive a pair of shoes from the Havaianas Soul Collection, valued from $38-$68!

I'm totally enamored of this collection, not only because it's by the ever-fabulous Havaianas, but because they're perfect for wearing on the hot summer streets without getting your feet dirty. The closed-toe styles range from espadrille flats to lace-up sneakers and come in such a fun variety of color combinations. And, of course, they're finished with the signature Havaianas rubber sole!

To enter, visit the Havaianas website here to check out the various Soul Collection styles. Then leave your name, email address and the style, color and size of the shoe you want to win in the box below.

THE RULES:
This giveaway ends on Sunday, April 29 at midnight. One winner will be chosen AT RANDOM on Monday, April 30. One entry per person and email address. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Salon and Spa Directory: Jeff Chastain Parlor

2012-04-23T10:35:00.006-04:00

I've been on the hunt for a New York City salon that feels like home for almost 10 years. And, finally, I found it. I recently discovered Jeff Chastain Parlor and, after only one appointment, I feel like I've been going there all my life.

As you may remember, I was there for a haircolor appointment with my gal Jan-Marie Arteca. While at the salon, I also got my hair cut to absolute perfection! Every strand was treated with tender love and care, and the results -- almost a month later -- are truly miraculous. My hair has never looked, felt or behaved better, and it's all due to the stylists at this lovely salon.

And what makes this salon feel like home, you may ask? It might be the exposed brick walls and cool pipes ... or the regal thrones and lush greenery strewn throughout ... or maybe it's the cozy feel you get from sitting in one of the stylist's chairs. At any rate, it's impossible not to feel immediately comfortable here, as every stylist is friendly and welcoming.

Two bookcases near the front are liberally stuffed with products by Kerastase and Oribe -- the preferred brands at the salon -- and, as those are two of my very favorite product lines, that was one of my favorite parts. I also love the chandeliers and the interesting statues seen throughout the space. Even the bathroom is divine, with hand-painted leaves upon the walls and a room teeming with plant life.

For more information on Jeff Chastain Parlor and to book an appointment, visit the website here and the Facebook page here.

Mani of the Week: RGB Pink

2012-04-22T14:19:00.003-04:00

While I normally choose crazy colors for my manicures, I went for something a little more normal this week -- pink! RGB Pink, to be exact. I had been wanting to try RGB nail polish for quite some time, and during a manicure at tenoverten (stay tuned for a review of the hip Tribeca nail salon!), I finally got my chance.

I chose RGB Pink for its super saturated, crazy bright pink hue -- for, while I wanted to try a color more normal than blue or green, I still needed a little sass. I love the creaminess of the polish and the ease with which it applied. Two coats were utter perfection. Plus, the hot pink hue is perfect for spring!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Georgia Allen

2012-04-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

"I enjoy being able to transport people into a moment, whether it is exciting, scary or fantastical," says makeup artist Georgia Allen. She's worked on some very big projects, from the upcoming The Avengers and The Hobbit to Breaking Bad and The Lion King on Broadway. Read on to discover the foundation she swears by, her number one tip for good skin and so much more.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My mom put me in theater classes at 8 years old and I imagine it all started there. I attended a performing arts theater high school and participated in theater troops outside of school until I was too old to do it. I was always doing makeup and hair for whatever show I was in. My mom has pictures of me doing makeup for the other actors at a very young age. After high school I spent a year studying photography and art history at a liberal arts school.

Having a career focused education was important to me, so I moved to L.A. and attended Westmore Academy for Cosmetic Arts. There is not a day that I don't go to work and thank Michael Pack for all that he taught me at school. I believe education gives you the confidence to compete in this cutthroat industry. It's not easy breaking into the film industry, so I spent the next few years moving around the east coast working on plays, operas, indie films and Broadway. I spent a year and a half working at Sephora, I believe I owe a lot of my speed and product knowledge to that job. I also did freelance makeup for M.A.C, Shiseido and Cle De Peau.

I was hired for a film shooting in New Mexico of all places, so my work brought me back home. After shooting there for the summer I decided to leave the theater world behind. My time working in theater was probably the most valuable to my career because Cookie Jordan took me under her wing and taught me how to Ventilate. Ventilating is tying individual hairs into lace to create wigs or false facial hair. This ultimately would be what would separate me from the majority of makeup artists in the business, and open lots of doors into the film world. I joined the Local 480 union when I moved back to New Mexico and worked in union film and television for nearly 5 years. Lots of westerns and post apocalyptc films! One of my most memorable shows was The Men Who Stare at Goats, I owe a lot of my facial hair knowledge to Ken Diaz who never ceases to amaze me.

At some point every makeup artist that wants to join the big leagues has to make the move to L.A. Union cards don't transfer to L.A. so after spending many a day back on indie sets and loads of persistence, I got my 706 Union card on OZ the Great and Powerful. OZ introduced me to Howard Berger who for many years has inspired me with his work and the work of his and Greg Nicotero's FX Makeup shop KNB. Howard has shown me that love and grace belong in the film industry no matter what department you are in. He has taught me that having fun with what you do is the most important part of doing this job. Beauty makeup will always play an important role in my career but I'm afraid special effects makeup holds my heart.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?
1) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It comes in 4 shades, all of which I love for priming eyes. Eyeshadow stays put all day and will not crease. I personally wear the color SIN on my eyes everyday for a great natural work look. The original formula remains my favorite.

2) M.A.C Acrylic Paints. M.A.C makes the acrylics in a range of 10 colors that are great for lining the upper and lower shelf of the eye. They will not run down and cause raccoon eyes. They stay put for hours. I love this trick for prosthetics makeup as well, it takes the human look out of the eye for creature makeups. Certain colors are not suitable for the eye so check the color out first. Of course the acrylics can be used in lots of other ways, this is just my favorite.

3) KohGenDo Cleansing Spa Water. Well, really, anything made by KohGenDo is amazing. It was really hard to narrow it down to one product. This can be used for makeup removal and is great for waterproof makeup as well. I love to use it around the eyes for beauty and FX makeups. It is oil free and alcohol free. It will dissolve glues and adhesives so you don't have to use a solvent around the eyes.

4) Kanebo Sensai Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet Foundation. This foundation is amazing! It comes in 9 magnificent shades and has an SPF of 15. Every actress I put it on goes out to buy it for themselves!

5) Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Pads. Deep cleansing and exfoliation is an important part of a skincare regimen. It also goes hand in hand for anti-aging and sun damage. These pads improve clarity and texture while brightening and removing unwanted oils and blocked pores. I found that at night weekly is the best use for brighter, more youthful skin.

What are your top 3 beauty tips?
1) I am a huge fan of coconut water for drinking but I bet you didn't know that it is amazing for your skin! Its mass amounts of electrolytes, sodium, chloride, and phosphate make it super hydrating for you inside and out. Coconut water is naturally isotonic so it helps balance your PH, as well as being sterile and having antibacterial properties so it is wonderful for blemish problems. It's wonderful for boosting your immune system, regulating blood pressure and cholesterol. With the crazy long hours I work, I believe coconut water gets me through it and keeps me healthy with nice skin! I recommend drinking one every day and splashing a little on your face every night.

2) Wearing sunscreen is probably one of the best things you can do for your skin on a daily basis. Even when we are inside we are exposed to UV lights and free radicals. Remember the SPF should be multiplied by ten to give you the amount of minutes you can spend in the sun before damage. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is best because it protects chemically and topically. Use sunscreen specified for face to avoid breakouts and eye irritation.

3) Using quality brushes and tools will make your makeup look that much better. Better blending edges, better fine lines. Doing a smoky eye with a sponge tip applicator versus brushes will yield two totally different results. Invest in good brushes and they will last forever. Cleaning brushes daily or weekly will keep oils from being reapplied to your skin and keep your colors true. Sephora makes a daily spray brush cleaner that I adore -- at $14 it is affordable, it smells nice and does not have oils in it. When washing your brushes, lay them flat off the edge of a counter or table so the air gets 360 degrees around the bristles. It will keep the water from dissolving the glue and prolong the life of your brush. Take good care of your brushes and they will take good care of you!

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
Time off? What is that? Well I suppose if I'm not at work I am cooking. Cooking for my roommates makes me happier than you would imagine. I enjoy sleeping, dirty gin martinis and going to the movies.

My Friend's Mani of the Week: Urban Outfitters Crowded and Smush

2012-04-18T13:54:00.004-04:00

I love when my friends have cool manicures. And this week, my gal Christy is sporting two different colors by Urban Outfitters that complement each other so well and just look awesome together! She's wearing Crowded (a fun greyish bluish purple) and Smush (a bright, peppy mint green). Both colors are so perfect for spring. I simply had to take a picture and show you!

Best of all, Urban Outfitters UO Nail Polish retails for $5 a bottle at urbanoutfitters.com. What's not to love?